Page 117 of Risky Move

“Is that wrong?”

“Have you mentioned this to him?”

“Since I don’t plan to accept, what’s the point of telling Tom?” Cassie stared at the lake behind the porch.

“Full disclosure…if he finds out later, he may assume you hid the information because…”

“He might encourage me to accept the offer,” Cassie completed the thought. “Okay, I get it. I need to tell him, but I don’t want to go to school that far away. How often would we see each other? His schedule already limits our time together. If I go to Toronto, we might see each other two or three times a year. Plus, I’d have that work-study.”

“True. Remember, Tom and Andrew grew up in Toronto. Their parents live there, also.”

“Lauren, doyouthink I should accept this offer? Leave Tampa and freeze my butt off in the ‘cold, white north?’”

She watched Lauren’s eyes—they revealed nothing. “Cassie, I’m playing devil’s advocate. Tell me this—if Andrew and Caryn ask you to continue as the twins’ nanny, would you accept?”

Cassie stood and walked toward the side of the porch closest to the water. “Thought I saw an alligator, but I guess it’s a turtle.” She turned to look at her aunt. “They haven’t asked me to come back, so don’t you think it’s irrelevant?”

“Not necessarily. I’d be surprised if Caryn doesn’t, so you really should consider that possibility.”

Cassie shrugged. “Give me some reasons why I might want to accept the university in Toronto?”

She watched as Lauren thought for several moments. “I’m just speaking from my experience. I didn’t have someone like Tom in my life to consider. I learned how to function independently for the first time in my life. I enjoyed the freedom of deciding what and when I wanted to take classes, go out with friends, enjoy a party or two. I met my best friend, whose boyfriend introduced me to Dave…I’d go back and do it all over again in an instant. Those four years were the best therapy for me after all that crap at home.”

Cassie walked back to the table and hugged Lauren before she sat next to her. “I’m beyond happy you got away from home and had those experiences. I’m in awe of everything you’ve accomplished. Maybe I’d have a similar experience there…or maybe I’m already experiencing it in Tampa—or even at those colleges I’m researching in Fort Myers. I’m just not ready to commit to accepting that scholarship.”

“You have time—isn’t the due date in April?”

“I think so.” Cassie picked up the packet and looked through it again. “I guess you’re right, though. I’ll tell Tom. He said that no matter what I want to do, he’ll wait for me…even if I just wanted to travel, have new experiences…”

“Told you he’s a keeper.”

“The thought of leaving him for three years—at least—scares me, Lauren. I love him. I want to be with him, not over a thousand miles away…”

“I do understand that, honey, and I amnotpushing you to go to college in Toronto. Just some suggestions to consider, okay? Then, you make the right decision for yourself.”

* * *

Tom knew Cassie had something on her mind. Not exactly distracted, his rainbow girl’s personality felt muted, like a beautiful bird whose wings had been clipped.Still not at peace with what happened with Daniel? Feeling pressure from her parents? Undecided about her future?He resolved to give her space and wait for her to share.

With the Suns out of town and Lauren joining Caryn, Kelly, and Terri for a “girls’ evening” at Caryn’s home, Cassie invited Tom for dinner, Chez Martin.

“I’ll come directly from work, babe. But don’t worry about dinner. My turn to cook.”

Cassie laughed. “You count picking up takeout as cooking, doctor? I haven’t prepared a home-cooked meal in weeks.”

“Studying for mid-terms gives you extra latitude. You’re done, right?”

“Thank heavens. I had a nightmare last night about the math exam, woke up in a panic, andthenremembered I’d tested out of the course. I think I really do have a math phobia.”

“Sounds like it, but don’t obsess about it. With any luck, you’re done with college math.” Tom paused a beat. “If you haven’t already shopped and begun preparing dinner, let me bring it tonight. The end of mid-terms calls for a celebratory meal.”

“In that case, the kitchen’s all yours. I’ll provide the drinks and…dessert.”

Tom loved the seductive tone, promising a sweet after-dinner treat.

He shopped at Whole Foods on the way home. He took his time selecting a variety of seasonal vegetables—all locally grown. He looked forward to the community garden at the hospital reopening for planting. He hoped to bring Cassie with him also. She’d asked many questions about the produce he brought home last summer and said she had wished to live on a farm when she was young. Of course, her vision of a farm included chickens, cattle, pigs, and other animals raised purely as pets. She told him she wouldn’t care if rabbits shared some of the produce—she’d just plant more if necessary. With those thoughts in mind, he planned a vegetarian meal of roasted vegetables and air-fried sweet potatoes, and then picked up a bottle of wine and fresh flowers.

As if she’d been waiting at the window, Cassie opened the front door and rushed to the car seconds after he parked in the driveway. She opened his door, grabbing his hand as if to pull him up and out of the car. He caught the spark in her eyes and quickly released the seatbelt.

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